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And it seems that the Tang Sect is not completely closed off; at least some of the mountain people are aware of its existence, such as Master Geda, the Miaojiang Witch Doctor before us.

Perhaps the reason why the outside world is unaware of the Tang Sect is that the mountains are too secluded and it's too much of a hassle to make a trip out, let alone the fact that the mountain people have become completely disconnected from the outside world.

"Is there something you need, Master?"

Master Geda seemed somewhat disappointed, which Qin Fang noticed, so he couldn't help but ask.

He faintly felt that Master Geda might have some connection with the Tang Sect. Shangguan Tianling's words still echoed in Qin Fang's ears. To claim he had absolutely no interest in the mysterious Tang Sect would definitely be nonsense.

At least knowing a little bit of information to prevent any problems before they arise would be quite good...

However, seeing that Master Geda appeared to have some secrets, whether it was out of kindness, or out of respect for such a venerable elder, Qin Fang also wanted to lend a small hand.

"The Tang Sect has been hidden in the mountains for hundreds of years, only coming out once every decade to select children with good aptitudes from the mountains to cultivate... My grandson was taken into the mountains when he was seven, and it has been more than ten years now, with no news at all..."

Master Geda looked at Qin Fang and Song Qingshan before slowly speaking.

Listening to Master Geda's story, Qin Fang finally understood what was going on. Master Geda was already getting on in years, over seventy, and the lifespan of mountain people is actually not long. At his age, he was basically not far from the end of his life.

And the Master's son was once the bravest warrior in the tribe, but sadly he never returned from a hunting trip in the mountains...

This grandson is the only relative the Master has left, yet he has not seen him for over a decade. Master Geda fears that he may not be able to see his grandson again before he dies, and if so, he would not be able to rest in peace even in death.

The reason why he placed such importance on Qin Fang and Song Qingshan, besides them coming from outside the mountains, was most importantly because he could see that Qin Fang and Song Qingshan possessed highly formidable martial arts skills.

The Tang Sect is an ancient sect that has been passed down for a thousand years, famous for its mastery in hidden weapons, poisons, mechanisms, and of course, every disciple of the Tang Sect also needs to practice martial arts.

The mountains are quite desolate, with very poor conditions, and the mountain people are rather xenophobic; very few outsiders ever come to the mountain. Yet Qin Fang and others entered, which itself was already a bit strange.

Furthermore, both Qin Fang and Song Qingshan have strong martial might, and being so young, they must definitely hail from renowned sects. Master Geda didn't understand the real situation of Qin Fang and their entry into the mountain, naturally assuming these two were going to the Tang Sect, hence his question.

If Qin Fang and Song Qingshan were truly going to the Tang Sect, he would like Qin Fang to help deliver a message to his grandson; even if he couldn't see him in person, at least knowing that his grandson was living well would grant him peace before he passed...

"Master, since you know the Tang Sect is in the mountains, haven't you ever gone searching for it?"

Qin Fang couldn't help but ask another question.

"Alas, who says I didn't go searching? But the Tang Sect is elusive. I have gone into the mountains dozens of times, and every time I have returned empty-handed, never even finding the mountain gate."

Master Geda shook his head and sighed. After so many years, and missing his child so dearly, how could he possibly not have gone searching? However, the reality was too harsh.

"This I do know a little about; the people of the Tang Sect are experts in mechanisms, which is also known as formation arts. Many ancient sects are like this, only if one knows the location of their mountain gate and understands the mechanisms art, then they might be able to enter... Otherwise, not only would one fail to enter the mountain gate, but there might also be the risk of losing one's life."

Song Qingshan who was at the side gave a simple explanation, "For instance, the Inner Temple of the Shaolin Temple where Monk Wukong resides, is hidden within a formation, and it is said that Wooden Men Lane is the only path out of the mountain..."

Hearing this explanation, even though it was just hearsay, it seemed likely to be the case, after all, with so many people at Shaolin Temple, it's impossible that everyone would honestly stay on the mountain.

In addition, Song Mountain is so big, if the Inner Temple really existed, it's impossible that it wouldn't have been discovered. The theory of the formation must indeed exist.

Not to mention that, after Qin Fang acquired the Cheating Skills, he became aware of the existence of these Qimen Dunjia formation arts.

"I'm sorry, Master..."

Understanding all this, Qin Fang felt somewhat apologetic.

They ended up venturing into the mountains solely because Wen Yan's grandmother was on the brink of death, and he was accompanying Wen Yan to see her one last time.

Even before this, his understanding of the Tang Sect was limited to having heard the name and knowing that such a sect existed, but beyond that, he was utterly clueless.

"Sigh, I can't blame you all… It's me who's been too anxious."

Master Geda waved his hand, naturally aware that this matter was unrelated to Qin Fang and the others; it was he himself who had thought too wishfully, his expression nonetheless marred by profound disappointment.

"Master, what is your grandson's name? Perhaps during our journey into the mountains, we might coincidentally locate the Tang Sect. Then we can relay the message to him..."

Seeing the old man's forlorn state, Qin Fang couldn't help but feel an urge in his heart, despite knowing that the likelihood was slim to none, it still provided a glimmer of hope.

"My grandson took the surname Tang upon entering the Tang Sect, his name is Tang Xing..."

At such an advanced age, having seen through the world, how could Master Geda not see that Qin Fang's offer was simply to comfort him?

But, as Qin Fang had thought, it represented a kind of hope; perhaps a miracle could indeed occur. Therefore, he didn't refuse Qin Fang's goodwill and immediately disclosed his grandson's name.

Although the Tang Sect is a time-honored institution, unlike other great sects, it exists in a familial form. With such a massive family secluded for centuries, they couldn't always marry within the family, so selecting disciples from outside was essential for the sect's continuity and the family's bloodline preservation.

However, upon joining the Tang Sect, one would no longer use their former name; all would take the surname Tang...

"Master, rest assured, if we happen to come across the Tang Sect, we will definitely pass on your message to Tang Xing!"

Knowing the name, Qin Fang confidently assured with a pledge.

The Tang Sect was too elusive, and neither Qin Fang, Song Qingshan, nor Master Geda held much hope; thus, the matter was left at a simple conversation. Soon after, the three chatted briefly, and as night had fallen, they each retired to rest.

The latter part of the night was relatively quiet; the child Bali had applied medicine and rested without further danger, believing in a speedy complete recovery.

The next morning, the group departed from the Luosang Tribe, heading towards their destination – the Nayi Tribe, located some dozen miles away.

Different from the day before, there was no resistance in the hearts of Zhuoda and his people; they were eager and ready early in the morning, and the simple sedan chairs from yesterday were now fortified and even more impressive to behold.

The number of Sedan Chair Bearers had also doubled from the day before, with over thirty people jostling for the chance to be bearers – half were Zhuoda's men and the other half were locals from the Luosang Tribe.

The number of sedan chairs increased from three to five, meaning not only did the Wen Family of three each have a seat, but so did Qin Fang and Song Qingshan.

Regarding this, Qin Fang and Song Qingshan could only manage a wry smile.

Just yesterday, Qin Fang saw Zhuoda being too arrogant, and to minimize trouble, he forced them to bear the sedan chairs. They found a reason to comply temporarily but still harbored some reluctance.

Yet, after one night, things had changed entirely; this wasn't ordinary compliance—it was as if they were being served like emperors...

Over thirty Sedan Chair Bearers scrambling—for which they had fiercely competed to obtain the opportunity, and even more would have come if allowed.

Left with no choice, Qin Fang and Song Qingshan settled themselves into the sedan chairs and were carried forward by these people. Their initial small group of five entering the mountains had now become an impressive convoy of over forty, marching deeply into the heart of the mountains.

To anyone unaware, the procession resembled more a force mounting an assault on a tribe than a mere visit to the Nayi Tribe...

The Wen Family of three observed these developments, knowing full well that such reverence from the mountain villagers was due to Song Qingshan's influence. However, in their eyes, since Song Qingshan was Qin Fang's bodyguard, it reflected Qin Fang's abilities.

They were already quite pleased with Qin Fang, their prospective son-in-law, and with the current turnout, their satisfaction was undeniable. Sitting in their chairs, the two exchanged glances and silent communications.

As for Wen Yan, seeing her parents communicating silently, she blushed with embarrassment, occasionally stealing glances at Qin Fang while reminiscing about the conversation she and her mother had the previous night.

Auntie Song was quite satisfied with Qin Fang, yet the previous night, during an earnest heart-to-heart, she had inquired about the tension between Qin Fang and Wen Yan and reminded her daughter not to fall for Qin Fang too soon...

However, after the bear hunting and life-saving incident, the mother and daughter had another round of discussions upon returning to rest. Auntie Song almost did a complete one-eighty in her stance, advising Wen Yan to seize the moment, strike when the opportunity arises, and take bold action...

Of course, she also stressed the importance of contraception for the time being since Wen Yan was still pursuing her education. While Auntie Song looked forward to having a grandchild, she preferred that Wen Yan wait until after graduating from university.

(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for and recommend it. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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